Friday, February 28, 2014

High School Student: "I'm Tired Of Hiding In A Corner"

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Cameron Franks watched teachers put up the posters---and he watched them take them down.

The administration at his public high school had been ordered to do so.

The posters had a religious theme but had been put up to demonstrate our religious freedom in America.

The poster has Scripture scrolled into a cross with this statement at the bottom:

"This Poster is illegal in 51 countries."

This is a story we've all heard before. A student was "offended" by the poster, took a picture of it, and sent it to the atheist Freedom From Religion Foundation.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation immediately contacted the school, demanded the posters be taken down...or else.

Schools believe they can't afford the "or else" which means a lawsuit, so they comply to the demands.

The school superintendent ordered the teachers to remove the posters saying, "The teacher who put the posters up was acting in violation of the establishment clause."

He explained that his "hands were tied" and he "had to do it."

This is a common narrative. But the local ABC affiliate reported that Cameron's response is not so common.

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Religious Liberty Vetoed in Arizona

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After all the controversy surrounding the Arizona Legislature's passing of Senate Bill 1062, designed to provide clarification of existing religious freedom law, Governor Brewer has vetoed it.

And in doing so, she has bowed to the fierce demands of homosexual activists and their advocates, but has also struck a blow to religious freedom, miserably failing the faith community.

National attention was drawn to the Arizona issue when it became a "gay rights matter," yet the bill makes no mention of gay rights in its text.

The bill did not plow new ground, as they say, it was simply an amendment to the 1999 state Religious Freedom Restoration Act, a state law similar to the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act signed into law in 1993 by President Bill Clinton.

This bill, Senate Bill 1062, was designed to merely clarify the protection already offered in the state Religious Freedom Restoration Act. It would have clarified that protections extend to any "state action" and would apply to "any individual, association, partnership, corporation, church, religious assembly or institution or other business organization."

In other words, it protected all citizens and the associations they can form from undue burdens by the government on their religious liberty or from private lawsuits that would have the same results.

This bill was deemed "discriminatory" not only by homosexual activists, but by industry leaders such as Brad Tilsen, CEO of Alaska Airlines, "conservative" Mitt Romney, Sen. John McCain and a list of others.

Who now has been discriminated against? Who has been treated to extreme intolerance? Whose freedom and right of conscience has been "vetoed?"

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Is Medical Science Trying To Be "As God?"

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Federal health regulators are considering this week whether to green light what Associated Press calls "a provocative new fertilization technique that could eventually create babies from the DNA of 3 people..."

The Food and Drug Administration describes their meeting on this issue as a "scientific, technologic and clinical discussion about how to test the approach to humans."

Although medical science has already accomplished this technique using animals, why are they asking for federal permission to now begin testing with humans?

Are they aware of the importance of ethical and moral concerns, or do they merely see them as obstacles which need to be addressed and removed for the sake of "progress?"

This international story, originating from right here in the Northwest, may be raising more questions than providing answers.

Here's some detail on the discussion that is under way---and some things to think about.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Secular Progressive Andrew Sullivan Denounces "Contempt For Religious Freedom"

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In an interesting turn of events, well known secular progressive and writer Andrew Sullivan is calling on his secular progressive colleagues to back off a bit on their crusade against religious freedom.

Sullivan has been an ardent supporter of President Obama and his policies.

Has he changed his beliefs?

In his recent column he denounced what he calls "general illiberal contempt" for religious freedom in the country.

In fact he says what bothers him is what he believes to be a form of bigotry itself in the "causal dismissal of sincerely held religious beliefs" that relate "to contraception, abortion and civil gay equality."

He is asking his peers to restrain themselves in their assault on religious freedoms and "The liberal left's contempt for people of faith."

Interesting words from a far left leader, affirming what many in the faith community believe to be true---contempt, not tolerance toward biblical beliefs and an all out war to undermine religious freedom in America.

Many of us see this assault on religious freedom as the most important social issue faced by Christianity in America. To suppress biblical morality in the marketplace is to suppress the Christian faith itself.

Why is Andrew Sullivan advocating for a little more tolerance toward people with whom he disagrees and has nothing in common?

And in a related matter, I'm happy to report that the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) is calling on pastors and religious broadcasters to get over their timidity and speak biblical truth to the issues of our day.

Monday, February 24, 2014

NBC: "David Wise's Alternative Lifestyle Leads To Olympic Gold"

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NBC reports that American gold medal skier David Wise is "at the top of his sport. He is always smiling among his friends and his competitors, however, he is not like the rest of the field" of Olympic athletes.

But why would NBC define Wise's lifestyle as "alternative" in their headline?

Wise told NBC, "I think my lifestyle...really takes the pressure off my skiing..."

It is interesting, revealing and profoundly disappointing that NBC would consider Wise's lifestyle "alternative."

Friday, February 21, 2014

Wilson High School General Council Reacts to Faith and Freedom

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Yesterday I posted an article about censorship in regard to Tacoma's Wilson High School Students For Life organization.

I asked you to contact Wilson High School in Tacoma.

You did and they heard your voice.

Shannon McMinimee, General Council of the Tacoma, Washington School and School District responded directly to our story, telling me she was responding to our post on behalf of the school and the District.

She claims there is a "tremendous amount of inaccurate information being shared by an out of state public relations firm and law firm." I presume that is Life News and the Thomas More Society, both of whom I quoted.

Clearly there is considerable difference between what the students are saying and what the legal counsel for the school district is telling me.

Her response is posted in the comments under our article yesterday.

I am also publishing her comments in this post today.

This is her response in full:

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Tacoma's Wilson High Censors Pro-Life Students

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Bryce Asberg is the founder of Wilson Students For Life at Wilson High School in Tacoma, Washington.

Since he started the group last year, he has experienced considerable push back from the school administration.

The push back has boiled over.

Violating their own policies, the school censored the display the pro-life students requested. It has now become a national story.

This week the administration at Wilson High School has given us a "Profile in Hypocrisy."

And the pro-life students have responded.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Lacking Courage Equals GOP Deception

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The Austin American-Statesman explains why Senator John Cornyn (R-Tex) voted "for" raising the national debt ceiling before he voted "against" it.

Senator Ted Cruz was attempting to filibuster against removing the required 60% vote to approve the new trillion dollar plus increase in US debt and give President Obama an unrestrained blank check over the next year. A simple majority vote insured passage of the bill, a required 60% approval would have most likely kept the bill from passing.

Senators Mitch McConnell and John Cornyn strode to the podium and, it is said, "forcefully" voted against Senator Cruz's filibuster, thus providing for the simple majority vote. And the passage of the bill.

Why would they do this?

Well some would say they were voting their conscience. They really believed in what they did.

Really?

Look at this.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Judicial Activism--Misquoting the Constitution, Overturning the People's Vote

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The case can only be described as yet another arrogant judge substituting her personal preferences for the judgement of 57% of the voters in the state.

And in doing so, misquoting the Constitution.

Is it calculated deception, ignorance to what the Constitution actually says, or simply a disregard for the law? Or blind motivation to redefine marriage and the family at all and any cost?

Not only is the judge misquoting the Constitution, the New York Times and NBC News are dutifully quoting her as she misquotes the Constitution without even offering a correction.

This points to a specific problem in our judicial system, but highlights an even greater problem in our culture.

And causes one to wonder where it all can lead?

Monday, February 17, 2014

"Son Of God" Coming Soon--Has Hollywood Got Religion?

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The film "Son Of God" is officially coming to certain theaters February 27, the day before it's official opening.

Major churches across the country are buying up entire theaters for opening night screenings of the movie about the life of Christ.

Many Christian leaders are giving the film a "thumbs up."

However, "NOAH", another film based on a Bible theme and soon to be released is getting a "thumbs down" from a number of biblical Christians who have seen it, while getting a restrained approval from Hillsong pastors Brian and Bobbie Huston.

Yet another biblical theme film..."Exodus," is planned for release toward the end of this year.

Did Hollywood get religion? Has there been a change of heart in tinsel town?

I wish.

I want to share some facts and insights about the films and who is behind them, and some personal thoughts.

We always encourage our readers and our radio listeners to "Be Informed" and "Be Discerning."

Here's why.

Friday, February 14, 2014

Shooting Victim's Mom: "We're Paying The Price For Country's Decisions"

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Beth Nimmo, the mother of the first victim shot at the Columbine High School massacre, told an audience this week, "Our children are paying the highest price possible for decisions that we've made as a country, as a culture."

She said her daughter Rachel, who was one of 12 killed on that fateful day in 1999, was often bullied and taunted because of her strong stand of biblical faith in Jesus Christ.

The mother says, "Kids are dying all over for sad and stupid reasons---they don't know that there's a purpose, that there's a destiny. A lot of them don't know that there's a God who died on the cross for their sins."

She's right. And death has many faces in our contemporary culture---all, however, the face of evil, stealing life and purpose and destiny from this generation.

Let's look at a couple of personal stories and the "sad and stupid reasons" for their consequences. And why this generation often has no clue regarding purpose, consequences and destiny.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Our Children Are Not "Common" Core

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Bill Gates said yesterday in USA Today, "Last month, Melinda and I published our foundation's annual letter, about myths that block progress for the poorest. We focus on myths about global issues, like the myth that foreign aid is a big waste, but when it comes to domestic issues we're in the grip of mythology, too. And these myths aren't just wrong; they're harmful, because they can lead people to fight against the best solutions to our biggest problems."

What myths are harming us and causing us to fight against the best solutions?

Well, he said, "Take the example of America's schools. Right now, 45 states are implementing new academic standards, known as the Common Core, which will improve education for millions of students. Unfortunately, conversation about the standards is shrouded in myths."

He said, "I want to explain why Common Core is among the most important education ideas in years."

Gates says the "standards" are "similar to those used to guide teachers for years, yet Common Core Standards are inspired by a simple and powerful idea: Every American student should leave high school with the knowledge and skills to succeed in college and in the job market."

Not everyone agrees with Gate's assessment of the Common Core Standards.

Yesterday, 42 US House members announced that they have signed onto a Resolution condemning the Common Core State Standards as "destructive to American education."

There is growing concern about the Common Core agenda.

Is Bill Gates right? Are these concerns based merely on myths? Or are there legitimate concerns?

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

HR 3133-- America Pushes Back On Religious Persecution In America

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Congressman Raul Labrador (R-Idaho) is pushing back against religious persecution in America with his bill HR 3133, which is designed to address the growing numbers of legal attacks against citizens because of their deeply held religious beliefs.

HR 3133 was specifically written "to prevent adverse treatment of any person on the basis of views held with respect to marriage."

This is an expression of people of faith and conservatives pushing back against the growing tide of persecution against those with deeply held religious beliefs regarding marriage and the sanctity of life.

Those who claim to champion "tolerance" are increasingly "intolerant" toward those whose religious beliefs differ from their own beliefs and behaviors.

Intimidation and endless lawsuits against those with traditional biblical beliefs has unfortunately become common place.

Now a response has been drafted and there is bi-partisan support for Rep. Raul Labrador's HB 3133.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Why Is America Beautiful?

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The lyrics of the well known and beloved song were written in 1893 by Katherine Lee Bates, a professor at Wellesley College.

Bates wrote, "O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties, above the fruited plain! America, America! God shed His grace on thee, And crown they good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea."

America loves the song. It is often sung in public, including in churches. America loves the song because we love our country and what it represents.

What "it represents" has become an issue following Coke's use of the song in a commercial during the Super Bowl where more than 100 million people watched.

Professor Bates identified God's blessing on America as both the natural beauty and the brotherhood formed through assimilation---"E Pluribus Unum"---Out of many--One.

As people listened and watched the images in the Coke commercial, the beauty of the song, as it is known, was lost to concern and then a backlash toward Coke.

From this incident it's clear that:

  • People are more informed than some think.
  • Your voice can make a difference.
  • Many prefer our country the way it has been, not the way secular progressives want it to be.

Monday, February 10, 2014

Crushing America's Spirit--One Cupcake At A Time

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Chloe Stirling, an 11-year-old, wanted to start saving money to buy a car some day when she is old enough to have one.

She started thinking of ways she could accomplish her goal. She began to dream---to get a vision.

She decided she would bake cupcakes and sell them in the neighborhood. She also decided to give some of them away to charity.

Her mom said it was a good idea and in fact offered to match every dollar she made. Her dream was launched, not unlike the millions who have come to America to follow their dreams and pursue their vision.

After all, that is the American way isn't it?

Chloe started baking cupcakes, selling some and donating some. That is not only the American way, but it is a practice drawn from biblical principles.

Ironically, Chloe's success led to her getting in trouble.

The County Health Department heard about the project and shut her down.

Chloe's mom told the St. Louis Dispatch that Chloe can only resume after the family either (1) builds an entirely new and separate kitchen, or (2) buys a bakery.

The county says the rules are the rules.

Yes they are.

But it seems common sense and discretion have been swallowed up by government contempt for entrepreneurialism and the free market expression of "truck, barter and exchange."

Everyday personal dreams are being crushed, visions extinguished and incentives being exchanged for dependence on an ever expanding government.

While the "letter of the law" is invoked toward Chloe, our President continues to circumvent Congress and stiff arm the Constitution while advancing his dream---one of remaking America.

Is this merely a political issue born out of differing political ideologies, or is there something more at play?

Friday, February 07, 2014

President Obama: "Killing Innocent Ultimate Betrayal Of God's Will"

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President Obama attended the National Prayer Breakfast yesterday.

That's good.

He told those in attendance, "Killing the innocent" is the "ultimate betrayal of God's will."

That's also good---and true.

He also said, "Extremists succumb to an ignorant nihilism that shows they don't understand the faiths they claim to profess, for killing the innocent is never fulfilling God's will. In fact, it is the ultimate betrayal of God's will."

"Killing the innocent is never fulfilling God's will."

Has the President "evolved" regarding the sanctity of life?

Thursday, February 06, 2014

Bill Nye, The Science Guy vs: Ken Ham, The Bible Guy: Darwin Or Deity?

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The Associated Press says, "'Science Guy' Bill Nye says there are infinite discoveries yet to be made about the universe and how we got here."

AP says, "While Ken Ham...says all those answers are already in the Bible."

They had a big public debate this week in Kentucky, moderated by CNN and streamed live worldwide on the Internet. Millions watched.

I watched part of it.

Is the debate only about Creation and evolution? Or is there something more at play?

Here are the highlights and some thoughts.

Wednesday, February 05, 2014

High School Says "No" To Celebrating America

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Students and parents at a Colorado high school are outraged and confused after school administrators said "no" to students' request for a spirit week day honoring America.

The administration told the students, "It might offend non-American students" attending the public school."

Ellie Goodspeed, a senior and treasurer of the student council said, "I can see both sides, but I think it's kind of absurd that we can't celebrate the country we're in---whether you're from it or just visiting. It's a country."

Frankly, I don't see both sides and neither do a lot of parents and taxpayers in the school district.

Most, however, agree; it's absurd.

Here's what is happening up front and behind the scenes. And why it matters to all of us.

Tuesday, February 04, 2014

Seahawks Wilson, Okung, Maragos, Gresham: "Jesus Bigger Than Super Bowl"

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When you're a professional football player, the Super Bowl is the prize.

It's a lot of fun for the fans too.

Initial rating numbers indicated Sunday's Super Bowl was the 5th most watched in the game's history, however, updated ratings last night confirmed that 111.5 million watched the game, making it the highest rated ever.

57% of all households in Seattle metro market watched it, making Seattle the #2 market in percentage. Denver was #10. Kansas City was #1 with 58.1% watching.

As much as the Seattle Seahawks wanted to win the Super Bowl, there are some on the team that say there is something even bigger than football in their lives.

One of the USA Today photo's captured the moment.

In a very candid conversation about their personal faith in Jesus Christ, Seahawks Russell Wilson, Russell Okung, Chris Maragos, Clint Gresham and staff coach Rocky Seto talk with Mark Driscol about football, life and their personal faith and how they came to that personal faith in Jesus Christ.

Their personal testimonies are inspiring and affirming. Although they are part of the best football team in the world after Sunday's Super Bowl win, they put it all in perspective in this conversation.